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The Cats

On game day, you'll find Detroit Tigers fans rallying around their team at Comerica Park, recounting stories of a rich history that began in 1901 when the team took the field and started their first season as part of the American League. Hall of Famer Ty Cobb joined the club a few years later, and after 22 seasons in Detroit, he had smashed more records than any other slugger in Major League history.

In 1934, the Tigers tried to hire the "Sultan of Swat," Babe Ruth, as their manager. Even though he wanted no part of the position, Detroit still scored the win in the 1935 World Series. They would also go on to claim another title ten years later.

Entering spring 1968, the Tigers took the lead and never looked back. Denny McClain finished with a 31-6 record and won more than 30 games in one season. For his accomplishments, he was pronounced the league's MVP and given the Cy Young Award, and the team captured a World Series championship yet again.

The onset of the 1984 season proved to be an epic start for the Tigers, with pitcher Jack Morris tossing his first no-hitter and the team going 35-5 through May 24. With that beginning, it was only natural that they would once again earn that year's World Series title.

On September 27, 1999, the final game was played at Tiger Stadium. to a sold-out crowd of 43,356 fans. After 87 years, 63 Tigers greats took to the field during the emotional closing ceremonies.

Detroit's much-anticipated Comerica Park. was opened in 2000, with stunning skyline views. It even boasts a carousel and Ferris wheel for a fun carnival-like atmosphere. PAWS, the Tigers' mascot, is always ready to welcome fans to the game, and here's a little secret you may not know: buried beneath home plate is a baseball signed by the entire 1999 Tigers team.

Even with this beautiful stadium, it took a few years for baseball to start heating up again in Detroit. During that time, the Tigers made one of the biggest turnarounds in sports history -- from just 43 wins in 2003 to 95 in 2006. America's pastime came back with a vengeance to Motor City; manager Jim Leyland even took his club to the Fall Classic that year, but they lost to the Cardinals.

The following season saw records set by Justin Verlander., Curtis Granderson, Placido Polanco, and Magglio Ordonez. Verlander would go on in 2011 to have one of the best pitching seasons in a quarter century. His feats for that year include 250 strikeouts, a no-hitter, and a Cy Young Award.

The Tigers advanced to another World Series in 2012, due in large part to the incredible batting of Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera. Ultimately, the team fell to the Giants.

Plenty of former Tigers represent Detroit in Cooperstown's Hall of Fame, including Ty Cobb, Sam Crawford, and Al Kaline, giving supporters a lasting legacy to look back on, but with its impressive record and roster of all-stars, this club is primed to give present-day fans a lot to buzz about as well.